The parents of a Moray cyclist, who was tragically killed in a collision with a car in March, are aiming to open a track in his honour.
Gordon and Sandra McKandie have been overwhelmed by the amount of support from locals since their 16-year-old son, Keiran, died after being hit by a car.
The couple have now confirmed that a fundraising auction, organised for what would have been Keiran’s 17th birthday, raised over £16,000 last month.
Half the money collected will be invested in paying for 10 lifesaving defibrillators to be put in police cars. The rest will be dedicated to opening a new downhill bike track in Moray.
Mrs McKandie said: “We’re trying to work with the Forestry Commission to see if we can get a trail dedicated in honour of Keiran.
“Obviously, it is all in the very early stages. It’s going to be a much longer process than getting the defibrillators.
“It was his passion. It would be nice to have something locally in his name to bring cyclists into the area. We’ve had a lot of support for it from Keiran’s friends and from local people.”
In order to ensure donations to their son’s cause have a lasting impact, his parents are now investigating the possibility of starting a charity in his name, with the aims of saving lives and encouraging participation in sport.
Mrs McKandie added: “We have been overwhelmed by the amount of support from everybody. It has been totally amazing, but it doesn’t change the fact that he isn’t here.
“We want to get a charity set up in his name, so we can keep going and maintain his legacy.”
After funding defibrillators for police cars across Grampian, the family is striving to help the force in the Highlands, a region which contains many rural roads which can leave the public in vulnerable situations if they fall ill.
Mrs McKandie is also considering approaching Moray Council to put one in Elgin Academy, where Keiran was a pupil.
A JustGiving page set up following the teenager’s death will continue to run until September 4.
